Help yourself to beat rogue fuel crisis

Thousands of motorists are facing lengthy delays to get their cars repaired after damage caused by contaminated fuel. If you do choose to take the car to a garage, Haynes advice would be to phone around for a number of quotations as it is reported that some unscrupulous mechanics are over charging for what can be a very simple repair’.

Haynes, renowned worldwide for its authoritative car repair manuals, advises motorists to consider tackling the job themselves – to get back on the road quickly.

The part most commonly affected is the exhaust gas oxygen sensor (often referred to as a lambda sensor). This component is screwed into the exhaust downpipe and monitors the oxygen content of the exhaust gas. Some later cars have two sensors. Signals from the sensor(s) tell the engine management system how much fuel to inject for efficient running. If a sensor is defective, the system goes into 'limp home' mode and performance is badly affected.

Matthew Minter, editorial director for Haynes Manual division, says: "Fitting an oxygen sensor is not very difficult – on some cars you can get at it just by opening the bonnet, on others it will be necessary to get underneath. Once located, the old sensor is unscrewed and the new one screwed into its place, very much like changing a spark plug."

The procedure is described in every Haynes manual.

So if you're facing a long wait or a large bill to get a new oxygen sensor fitted by your dealer, it could be well worthwhile – and easier than you thought – to do it yourself!

To help with your claim for compensation from the fuel supplier, don't forget to keep the receipts for parts purchased.

Oxygen sensors and Haynes Owners Workshop Manuals are available from Halfords and high street car accessory shops. A comprehensive stockist locator can be found at haynes.co.uk.